Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday looks to be cold, partly cloudy and dry and then we will see warmer temperatures and some light precipitation starting Wednesday and into Thursday. Only 5- 15 cm is expected by end of day Thursday. Winds will be moderate SW increasing to strong on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 70 cm of recent snow with variable wind effect has put a dense load over the persistent weak layers. In thicker snow pack areas, the Dec. 10th weak layer of facets is now down 100-150cm with a stronger snowpack below. In thin snowpack areas, the Dec.10th layer is mixed in with the basal facets and October crust.
Avalanche Summary
The natural avalanche cycle has tapered off, but conditions are still primed for human triggering. Avalanche control using explosives today on the Icefields Parkway and Mt Dennis in Yoho produced results up to size 3.5 with every shot producing a large avalanche. Some avalanches were triggered with just the force of the bag hitting the slope.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3